(Daily Point) — A powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan, marking the strongest seismic event to hit the region in a quarter of a century.

The temblor wreaked havoc, claiming the lives of at least seven individuals and leaving over 700 others injured. The epicenter of the quake was situated in the mountainous and thinly populated eastern county of Hualien, where the Taiwan government confirmed four fatalities.

The aftermath of the earthquake has resulted in numerous individuals being trapped, with 77 awaiting rescue, including those stuck in collapsed structures in Hualien. According to reports from the fire department, over 100 buildings have suffered damage. Television broadcasts across Taiwan vividly depict the widespread destruction, with buildings leaning perilously and the landscape altered by the seismic upheaval.

The timing of the earthquake exacerbated its impact, occurring around 8 a.m. local time when many were commuting to work and school. This likely increased casualties and the number of trapped individuals, catching people in vulnerable situations indoors and outdoors alike.

In the wake of the disaster, the response efforts of emergency services and government agencies are pivotal. Search and rescue teams face the arduous task of navigating challenging terrain to reach remote areas where stranded individuals may be located. Meanwhile, medical teams are diligently working to treat the injured and provide support to affected communities.

The road to recovery and reconstruction will demand considerable time and resources. Communities are assessing the extent of the damage and laboring to restore infrastructure and essential services. This earthquake serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative of preparedness and resilience in confronting natural disasters. It underscores the necessity for robust emergency response systems to mitigate the impact on lives and livelihoods.